These savory sweet potatoes are seasoned perfectly with parmesan cheese and herbs, making them a tasty side dish. Roasting them gives a nice, crispy outside and soft inside—yum!
I love how easy they are to make! Just cut, season, and roast. They always disappear quickly at dinner. Who knew sweet potatoes could make everyone cheer? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Their natural sweetness pairs really well with the Parmesan and herbs. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you might try butternut squash or regular potatoes, though the flavor will differ.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps in roasting. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a different taste. I like using a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for its flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a delicious salty kick. If you want to keep it dairy-free, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor, or try a dairy-free Parmesan alternative available in stores.
Herbs: Oregano and thyme bring wonderful aromas. If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them instead! Adjust the amounts, as fresh herbs can be stronger. I often swap in rosemary for a different twist!
How Can I Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Roast Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes might seem easy, but a few techniques can make a big difference! First, make sure they’re cut into even cubes—this helps them cook at the same rate. Here’s how to roast them perfectly:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving crispy outside and tender inside.
- Use plenty of olive oil; it helps with browning. A good rule of thumb is to coat them well, but not swimming!
- Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer without crowding. This allows them to roast rather than steam.
- Flip them halfway through cooking. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
Lastly, watch them carefully in the final five minutes when adding Parmesan—no one wants burnt cheese! Enjoy your perfectly roasted sweet potatoes!
How to Make Savory Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook. You’ll be roasting the sweet potatoes until they are perfectly tender and golden, with a final touch of melted Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple and delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot for roasting your sweet potatoes.
2. Toss the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, combine your diced sweet potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good toss using your hands or a spoon, making sure all the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
3. Prepare for Roasting:
Next, spread the seasoned sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!
4. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through roasting, flip them over with a spatula to ensure they cook evenly. You’re aiming for tender potatoes that are golden brown.
5. Add the Parmesan:
Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the sweet potatoes. Then, pop them back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the cheese melt and become a little crispy—yum!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve them warm as a delightful side dish or enjoy them on their own as a tasty treat!
Enjoy your savory sweet potatoes with Parmesan and herbs—it’s a fantastic way to enjoy this versatile vegetable!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or even other root vegetables like butternut squash. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so check for tenderness as they roast.
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. For a lower-fat alternative, try using reduced-fat cheese or omitting it altogether for a lighter dish!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through. If you want to maintain some crispiness, a quick 5-10 minutes in a hot oven works wonders!
Can I Add Other Herbs or Spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, basil, or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. Just keep the quantities similar to maintain balance in the recipe!
